Andrew L. Adams

  1. People /

Andrew L. Adams

Andrew L. Adams

Attorney

  1. People /

Andrew L. Adams

Andrew L. Adams

Attorney

Andrew L. Adams

Attorney

St. Louis

T: +1 314 259 2910

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Biography

Andrew focuses on representing broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, insurance companies, international banks, and other financial services institutions in securities litigation and regulatory matters.  Andrew has extensive experience responding to regulatory investigations and other inquiries initiated by the SEC, FINRA, the IRS, and state regulatory authorities. He also assists the firm’s broker-dealer clients in customer disputes adjudicated by FINRA arbitration panels and in state courts.

When representing clients Andrew utilizes his experience in both government and private practice to best serve the diverse needs of financial services companies. This includes approaching matters with a deep understanding of the legal, business, compliance, and public policy issues involved.

Andrew is familiar with the most current legal technology platforms available, particularly in the field of eDiscovery. By leveraging technology in litigation, internal investigations, and regulatory inquiries, Andrew is able to address the needs of financial services clients at both a high level of quality and cost effectiveness.

Prior to joining the firm, Andrew served as Deputy Counsel for the Missouri Secretary of State focusing on securities regulation, corporate structuring and compliance, legislative and regulatory affairs, commercial transactions, elections law, and records retention. While serving in the public sector, he conducted internal audits, represented the state in civil litigation matters and administrative law hearings, and responded to public records requests and subpoenas.

In addition to his legal work, Andrew is part of the firm’s St. Louis Public Schools tutoring program.

Professional Affiliations

  • The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL)

Admissions

  • Missouri, 2013
  • Illinois, 2012

Education

  • Saint Louis University, J.D., 2012
  • University of Missouri-Columbia, B.A., 2009

Experience

  • Assist a leading broker-dealer with an SEC Sweep involving the sale and supervision of structured products.
  • Assist a leading broker-dealer with a FINRA investigation regarding the sale of exchange traded products.
  • Assist a leading broker-dealer with a FINRA investigation into supervision issues related to Unit Investment Trusts.
  • Assist a leading international financial services firm conduct an internal investigation into violations of cryptocurrency policies.
  • Assist an independent financial advisory firm draft a settlement agreement and assess any securities industry reporting obligations.
  • Represent a financial services firm in state court for alleged breach of contract and fiduciary duty.
  • Represent a major broker-dealer in successfully enforcing compensation agreements with registered representatives.

Related Insights

Insights
Nov 22, 2021

The SEC Declares “You All Fail” - Summary of Recent SEC Examinations into Advisers Offering Electronic Investment Advice

On November 9, 2021, the SEC released a Risk Alert from the Division of Examinations which provides observations from recent examinations into advisers that offer electronic investment advice. A copy of that Alert can be found HERE. In a rather harsh report, the SEC declared that almost every investment adviser examined in this area received a deficiency letter based on the following categories of compliance failures: (1) inadequate compliance programs with an emphasis on policies, procedures and testing; (2) poor portfolio management, including a failure to provide advice that is commensurate with each client’s best interest; and (3) unfair, inaccurate, omitted or misleading marketing/performance advertising. Below is a summary of the SEC’s observations as to the compliance failures and its suggestions for ways in which investment advisers can improve in this area. Given the ominous nature of the Alert, we recommend that investment advisers heed the SEC’s warnings and seek to button up their compliance programs focusing on these areas.
Insights
Mar 15, 2021

The SEC Proposes Limited Relief for Small Businesses and Persons Involved in Private Capital Transactions

A lack of regulatory clarity inhibits small businesses from engaging finders and cuts off meaningful access to the capital markets. New proposals from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are subject to review, but it seems that change is on the way.

Related Insights

Insights
Nov 22, 2021
The SEC Declares “You All Fail” - Summary of Recent SEC Examinations into Advisers Offering Electronic Investment Advice
On November 9, 2021, the SEC released a Risk Alert from the Division of Examinations which provides observations from recent examinations into advisers that offer electronic investment advice. A copy of that Alert can be found HERE. In a rather harsh report, the SEC declared that almost every investment adviser examined in this area received a deficiency letter based on the following categories of compliance failures: (1) inadequate compliance programs with an emphasis on policies, procedures and testing; (2) poor portfolio management, including a failure to provide advice that is commensurate with each client’s best interest; and (3) unfair, inaccurate, omitted or misleading marketing/performance advertising. Below is a summary of the SEC’s observations as to the compliance failures and its suggestions for ways in which investment advisers can improve in this area. Given the ominous nature of the Alert, we recommend that investment advisers heed the SEC’s warnings and seek to button up their compliance programs focusing on these areas.
Insights
Mar 15, 2021
The SEC Proposes Limited Relief for Small Businesses and Persons Involved in Private Capital Transactions
A lack of regulatory clarity inhibits small businesses from engaging finders and cuts off meaningful access to the capital markets. New proposals from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are subject to review, but it seems that change is on the way.
Insights
Feb 23, 2021
Chartan, Adams Author Article for ‘Wall Street Lawyer’ on SEC Proposal for Finders
Insights
Oct 14, 2020
FINRA Panel Bars Registered Individual for Failure to Produce Tax Transcripts Not In His Immediate Possession, But Rather Maintained by the IRS